Makers of History

"Later in life, several years after his attempt at subduing Rome, it is believed that Hannibal was asked by Scipio Africanus, the Roman general who defeated him at Carthage, who Hannibal thought was the best military general of all time. Hannibal is reported to have said Alexander the Great was first, another Greek general was second, and that Hannibal was third. But Hannibal qualified this response by asserting that had he beat Scipio Africanus, then Hannibal would have been the... More Description

"Later in life, several years after his attempt at subduing Rome, it is believed that Hannibal was asked by Scipio Africanus, the Roman general who defeated him at Carthage, who Hannibal thought was the best military general of all time. Hannibal is reported to have said Alexander the Great was first, another Greek general was second, and that Hannibal was third. But Hannibal qualified this response by asserting that had he beat Scipio Africanus, then Hannibal would have been the best military general ever. Abbott presents the life of Hannibal in graphic detail. His account is stirring, engaging and gripping. This is an excellent supplement to a history course as well as delightful reading. While motivated by selfish designs, Hannibal is still an outstanding example of how assiduity can overcome great odds. "--Patch Blakey, executive director, Association of Classical & Christian Schools.

When Hannibal appeared upon the stage, he found his country engaged peacefully and prosperously in exchanging the productions of the various countries of the then known world, and promoting every where the comfort and happiness of mankind. He contrived to turn all these energies into the new current of military aggression, conquest, and war. He perfectly succeeded. We certainly have in his person and history all the marks and characteristics of a great military hero. He gained the most splendid victories, devastated many lands, embarrassed and stopped the commercial intercourse which was carrying the comforts of life to so many thousand homes, and spread, instead of them, every where, privation, want, and terror, with pestilence and famine in their train. He kept the country of his enemies in a state of incessant anxiety, suffering, and alarm for many years, and overwhelmed his own native land, in the end, in absolute and irresistible ruin. In a word, he was one of the greatest military heroes that the world has ever known.

CONTENTS. Chapter Page I. THE FIRST PUNIC WAR II. HANNIBAL AT SAGUNTUM III. OPENING OF THE SECOND PUNIC WAR IV. THE PASSAGE OF THE RHONE V. HANNIBAL CROSSES THE ALPS VI. HANNIBAL IN THE NORTH OF ITALY VII. THE APENNINES VIII. THE DICTATOR FABIUS IX. THE BATTLE OF CANN#65533; X. SCIPIO XI. HANNIBAL A FUGITIVE AND AN EXILE XII. THE DESTRUCTION OF CARTHAGE